As a writer, I realize that I’ll never achieve the level of popularity and financial security as the J.K. Rowling’s and Dr. Suesses out there. I create and publish my books as a way to share a part of myself with the world and that’s good enough for me. You see, something I realized over the past five years of working on my dream is that you can touch people’s lives as a writer, even if you don’t have the most Facebook likes or Twitter followers. You just need to be open to the moments that present themselves and always keep in mind the reason you started creating in the first place.

Today was truly one of those moments for me, but it all started last week. A first grade student named Eli brought my book, No Sweets For Santa, into his class and asked the teacher if she might be able to read it in the near future since he enjoyed the story so much. His teacher contacted me and asked me if I would be willing to come to her class and read the story for Eli and his classmates. What could I say? I was incredibly honored as a writer and publisher that a child was a big enough fan of my work to bring my book in and want to share it with others. The answer was a great big yes, and I asked the teacher for all the students’ first names so I could bring personalized books for everyone.

We kept my appearance a secret until this morning when I showed up at class with two wrapped boxes of books and my special Santa reading outfit. I felt like quite a celebrity with the kids all excited to hear the story and Eli coming up to me immediately and saying hello. I sat and read the book, followed with a discussion on writing and creating stories so the kids could understand that things they write now may one day become a book also.

Near the end of my visit, they opened the presents and I watched as each child received a copy of the book. Just seeing the kids so overjoyed at receiving a special book with their name in it was the best reminder of why I do the things I do. Shortly after, their teacher mentioned that she felt this experience could truly be a turning point for many of the kids to develop a passion for reading and it warmed my heart.

I left the class after thanking Eli for being a fan of my work and helping to make this experience for his classmates. As I walked the halls back to the front office, it really struck me as a creator that these moments can truly have impactful ripple effects. Sure it affected me in a positive way because I felt great after sharing my story and book with kids, but I hadn’t thought about what impact it could have on the kids receiving the books. What if this moment was one that helped a child love to read or gave them the confidence to write their first story. Who truly knows the positive potential something like this can create?

When you think of these things as someone who creates a book, some art, or anything else, you quickly realize the responsibility we have to help the wave of creators become inspired. I hope I inspired someone today and I hope you find your “moment” to inspire someone too.John Graham​www.FIGIDPress.com

I love the creative process and I love the idea of helping other creative people achieve their dreams. - John Graham

I created the INDYpendent Show because I love making books and comics. I also enjoy sharing the process of book creation with others to help them understand that with the right information, they can realize their dreams of creating books too. My initial vision was simple, fill a room with creators that would interact with attendees while they work on their projects, almost like an artisan faire where the glass blower or painter would take a moment to answer questions and interact with the audience.

I formulated a great signage and badge system to take the experience one step further, allowing folks at the show to quickly identify other’s interests and strengths. In the beginning, I also strongly encouraged the creators to bring their sketch books, modeling clay, projects, and rough drafts to share with attendees. This was my dream, a place where anyone with a desire to create something could walk in and find multiple people with many different strengths to answer questions and give suggestions. Add to that experience a room with workshops where the supplies were provided and a panel room discussing areas for new creators, and you have the perfect show.

Over the course of two years and four shows, I realized that I allowed my original vision to slowly become what is typically considered a Small Press show, where folks set up their table with merchandise and wait to interact with customers who might make a purchase. Sure, the signage system was still in use and it did encourage conversations, but as I looked around the last event, I realized the feel of the show and the table displays were very similar to what you might see in the small press or artist’s alley of a larger convention. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with a small press show, just that it wasn’t my original vision.

I went back to my original goal statements and realized that I wanted to get back to where I started. My goal was to promote a completely interactive show and educational experience that is sought out by new creators all around the Midwest, a completely new experience in a show that can’t be found anywhere else. Creating a completely unique show is challenging and a bit risky, but I feel like it needs to be done.

So, my next INDYpendent Show will on April 3rd at the Wyndham West Hotel and Convention center. I’ll be part of the amazing Who’s Yer Con, a free gaming event that attracts people from around the United States. The INDYpendent Show is held in a cozy room with around 20 creators, but it provides you with a huge amount of information about a variety of creative things. Walk into the room and here’s what you can see.

Table Demos

Creators will be hosting at least 2 table demos featuring a creative area of interest for them. These demos will be staggered and listed, so you can plan your day to see everything and learn as much as you want.

Interaction

Use the table signs featuring creator strengths as a starting point to get the conversation started. These folks are at the show to share information with you, so ask all the questions you want.

Inspiration

Creators will be working on projects at their tables, so take some time to observe their technique. I love watching people create art and other creative projects, and I’m sure you will too.

Networking

The goal of the INDYpendent Show is to also provide a place where all creators can meet and network with each other. This venue is the best place to meet other creators, get feedback on your current project, and gain the confidence you need to achieve your dream.

I think this show concept is important to the creators in our area and hope you do too. As a thank you for your support of the show, admission to the INDYpendent Show will be free at this event. You just need to complete your free registration for Who’s Yer Con and you have a whole day to experience the best of gaming and creativity in one easy location on the West Side of Indianapolis.

Together, we can make Indianapolis the “Creative Crossroads of America”.